Do you know or are you a military veteran?
The Veteran’s Gateway is the first point of contact for veterans seeking support, they put veterans and their families in touch with the organisations best placed to help with the information, advice and support they need – from healthcare and housing to employability, finances, personal relationships and more.
There is a huge network of organisations supporting the Armed Forces community, they are your first point of contact for whatever support you need, whether you are based in the UK or abroad.
Who is part of Veterans’ Gateway?
Veterans’ Gateway is made up of a consortium of organisations and Armed Forces charities, including The Royal British Legion, SSAFA – the Armed Forces charity, Poppyscotland, Combat Stress and Connect Assist.
Call 0808 802 1212 – Speak to an advisor in our contact centre or see the website http://www.veteransgateway.org.uk
Veteran Medical Fund
The Royal British Legion has introduced a new Veterans Medical Funds programme providing support for veterans with hearing loss and serious physical injury.
Both funds described below will be available to veterans across the UK.
Veteran Hearing fund
The Veterans Hearing Fund (VHF) provides support to veterans who acquired hearing loss during Service where there is a wellbeing need that cannot be met through statutory services (e.g., the NHS).
There are two stages to the application process. The first stage assesses eligibility and will require applicants to submit a copy of Service medical records which must include audiometry data. If the applicant is in receipt of a War Pension or Armed Forces Compensation Scheme Award, and this was awarded due to hearing loss, then they can submit a copy of their documentation confirming this in lieu of Service medical records. The second stage will be completed and submitted by an audiologist who will agree what equipment or treatments would help improve your quality of life. Note that VHF will not replace statutory support – but add to it.
VHF may fund hearing aids, peripherals or therapies (e.g., lip reading).
Please note that the VHF is unable to reimburse applicants for previously purchased equipment.
To apply, please download and complete a VHF eligibility application form. To request a form to be sent to you by post, please call our Contact Centre on 0808 802 8080 (free) or email medicalfunds@britishlegion.org.uk
Blind veterans UK
We want to make applying for support either for yourself, or on behalf of someone else, as simple as possible. How to apply:
Call us free on 0800 389 7979.